“I can’t find him.” He hissed. “He didn’t come to work
today. And I don’t give a rat’s ass about an

explanation. Something
went missing that I can’t afford to miss. Jimmy took it, so Jimmy’s
gonna pay.”

“I hear you, but what I think you are suggesting is not
acceptable. You take it in that direction, we have

a problem.”

“Big talk. But I know you’re smarter than that.”

“You think?”

“I know it. Look at you. You’re healthy. Your wife, Ann is it?
She’s a sweet lady. You got a baby on the

way. After all this time,
you’re starting a new life in your home town. Why fuck all that up for
a brother you

don’t even know anymore?”

“My kid’s going to need an uncle.”

“Fuck that thieving piece of shit! Make no mistake, “Johnny”,
the only reason I’m even telling you this is

because Dad likes you. I
don’t. Never have. So I’m gonna do what needs to be done, and that
includes you,

if you get in the way.”

“You know where I stand.”

“Then I guess this conversation is over. Love to the wife.”

Kyle rose abruptly and threw a couple bucks on the table,
tossing a terse “Later, Mel” over his shoulder

before exiting. Johnny
saw him remove a cell phone from his pocket and dial as he walked,
talking as he

walked the length of the
diner’s front window. He didn’t make eye contact as he passed, heading
to the

parking lot.

John let out a breath that he hadn’t known he’s been holding,
and paid his portion of the check.

"Fucking Jimmy", he thought. Back in town less than
two weeks, this was the last thing he needed.
He hadn't even
seen his brother since he'd been back!Jimmy
Patrick was a
good guy, easy going, one
of the funniest you’d ever meet, in fact. But he
was also lazy, careless, and occasionally prone to stupidity.
What had
he done this time? John knew he
had to find Jimmy quick before someone got hurt.

He zipped up his own jacket and followed Kyle's footsteps along
the diner’s front door, before cutting

across the parking lot,
avoiding puddles and weaving through the few parked cars.
Gravel crunched under
his boots as he stepped between a van and his pickup. Pulling out his
keys, he reached for the car door
handle, and suddenly heard from behind the
opening of the van’s door. John started to turn, and everything
went black.